Apply for a death certificate

Introduction

A NSW standard death certificate is the official certified copy of registration data held by the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages.

For the certificate of a death that occurred in NSW, you can apply online, by post, or in person at a service centre.

Certificates are sent by the Registry, using registered post. You cannot get a certificate from a service centre.

the next of kin named on the death certificate, i.e. current spouse (married/de facto), parent or child of the deceased
the funeral director (within 2 months of the registration of death)
the executor of the estate
if you're a relative not listed on the certificate, the certificate can be issued to you if the deceased had no living spouse, children or parents.

If you're not named on the death certificate, you must satisfy one of the following conditions:

If you're a solicitor applying for a certificate on behalf of your client, you must provide:

a letter on company letterhead that shows the address of your law firm, stating:
- the reason required ('legal' is not sufficient – a specific reason is needed, such as Probate, Estate Administration)
- whom you're acting for, and in what capacity
- the link between your client and the person whose name appears on the certificate.
a copy of your Law Society ID Card or Practising Certificate.

If you do not meet any of the criteria above, you must provide:

the details of the death
your/applicant's personal and contact details
personal identity documents as specified on the form
a scanner or phone/tablet camera so you'll be able to upload copies of the documentation required
company documents (if applicable)
evidence you have permission to be provided with the death certificate (if applicable)
your payment.

If you don't wish to apply online:

Download and complete the Death Certificate Application – PDF.
Lodge it with the required documentation and payment using the details on the form.

If you begin filling in the online application form and want to save it to complete later, you're able to resume your application.
You can check the status of your application online.
If the death occurred 30 or more years ago and you don't need a certificate for official use, please refer to the Order a family history certificate transaction.
Make sure that the copies of the documents you have scanned or photographed are clear and easy to read. The file types can be TIFs, JPGs or PDFs (no spaces or dashes in the filename).
When your application form and payment is received you'll be sent a tax invoice to the email address you provided. You also have the option to print the summary page, or your entire application form.
Processing times commence when applications are received in full compliance with Registry requirements, and exclude delivery time.
If you change your mind, or decide the certificate is no longer required, your application fee will not be refunded
Do not laminate your certificates. Identity documents must be kept in their original state to be accepted by government agencies.

Privacy

This information is being collected by the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages for the purpose of assessing your application for a death certificate.

Service NSW does not collect or maintain any personal information in relation to this transaction.

You can review transaction payment options on our payment methods page.

Last updated: 7 December 2023